[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 54 (Monday, May 8, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S4152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        MONTANA'S NATIONAL GUARD

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 1-163rd 
infantry battalion of Montana's National Guard for their continued 
contribution to our Nation. In peacetime, these soldiers have performed 
admirably at home in Montana, but in wartime the members of the first 
of the l63rd infantry battalion truly deserve recognition.
  For 18 months, they were deployed to Iraq where, on a daily basis, 
they risked their lives to defend our Nation's core beliefs--freedom, 
justice, and equality. In November of 2005, 700 troops returned home to 
Montana.
  While serving abroad, these men and women spent the majority of their 
time at 3 forward operating bases in northern Iraq. They bravely 
undermined insurgency in the largest and most dangerous area in the 
116th Brigade's area of operations.
  These Montanans risked their lives daily during their field 
operations. In total, the 1-163rd infantry battalion performed 6,400 
patrols where they encountered frequent attacks. During their 
deployment, the 1-163rd engaged in over 35 direct battles with members 
of the Iraqi insurgency and received small arms fire over 130 times. 
The battalion also defused almost 200 improvised explosive devices, 
IEDs, and experienced 359 IED detonations.
  In addition to the routine patrols that the unit regularly performed, 
the battalion also conduced 35 task force level operations, 10 joint 
task force air assault missions, and 120 deliberate company-level 
operations.
  Despite the dangerous conditions, the 1-163rd infantry battalion 
still made considerable advances in neutralizing their area of 
operations. The battalion was able to reduce the number of arms and 
insurgents in the area. Hundreds of Iraqi weapon systems were 
confiscated, including AK-47s, rocket propelled grenades and mortar 
tubes, and over 100 insurgents were detained. These efforts were 
critical in minimizing the likelihood of future attacks in the area.
  Not only did the 1-l63rd improve the overall safety of northern Iraq, 
but this infantry battalion also participated in the extensive 
reconstruction effort. In total, 68 projects worth $7.5 million were 
successfully implemented by the battalion. Countless improvements to 
municipalities in northern Iraq are directly attributable to the 1-
163rd.
  Today I wish to especially commend two members of the 1-163rd who did 
not return home but instead gave their lives in service to this great 
Nation. SGT Travis Arndt, 23, from Great Falls, MT, was killed in 
action near Kirkuk, Iraq, on September 21, 2005. MSG Robbie McNary, 42, 
died in combat in Hawijah, Iraq, on March 31, 2005, leaving behind his 
wife and three children in Lewistown, MT. Let us remember them for 
their honorable service and ultimate sacrifice.
  As a Montanan, an American, and a Senator, I would like to truly 
thank and commend the first of the 163rd infantry battalion of the 
Montana's National Guard for their excellent performance during this 
last deployment and their impressive dedication and loyalty to this 
nation.
  In November, when the 1-163rd returned to Montana from their 18-month 
deployment, they were applauded for their success, but I would like to 
keep that recognition alive. Long after this war on terror is over, we 
will remember their contribution to our most valuable freedom and 
security. Thank you.




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